Gold vs. Silver: How to Style Jewellery Based on Your Skin Tone

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Do you look better in gold or silver jewellery? It’s one of the most common questions I get as a jewellery stylist. And, the answer isn’t always what you’d expect.

Whether you’re building a capsule jewellery collection or choosing a piece for a special occasion, understanding your skin tone and undertone can help you pick pieces that feel like you.

As a jewellery concierge in Calgary, I help clients choose metals that highlight their natural features, pair with their wardrobe, and suit their lifestyle. Here’s how you can do the same. 

Step 1: Know Your Skin Tone vs. Undertone

First things first: skin tone and undertone aren’t the same thing. 

  • Skin tone refers to the surface colour of your skin (fair, medium, deep, etc.)

  • Undertone refers to the subtle hue beneath the surface (usually cool, warm, or neutral)

When it comes to jewellery, undertone is the key factor with the gold vs. silver debate.

3 Easy Ways to Find Your Undertone

  1. Look at your veins
    a. Blue or purple = Cool undertone
    b. Green = Warm undertone

  2. Sun reaction
    a. Burn easily = likely Cool
    b. Tan easily = likely Warm

  3. Colours you love wearing
    a. Jewel tones like sapphire or emerald = Cool
    b. Earthy tones like mustard or olive = Warm


Still not sure? Many of my clients are neutral, meaning they have more flexibility to mix metals and styles.

| Want help decoding your undertone and personal jewellery style? Book a free Discovery Call.

Gold Jewellery Looks Best On…

  • Warm undertones

  • Medium to olive skin tones

  • People who tan easily

Gold adds warmth and richness to the skin. It’s a great match for those who wear warm-toned makeup, natural textures, and earthy hues.

Silver Jewellery Looks Best On…

  • Cool undertones

  • Fair or pink-toned skin

  • People who wear jewel tones or icy pastels

Silver, white gold, and platinum create a crisp contrast that enhances cooler complexions. These metals also pair beautifully with minimalist or modern styles.

| Is your silver not shining like it used to? Explore Jewellery Styling Services to refresh your favourite pieces.

What If You’re Neutral? Mix & Match Like a Pro

If you have a neutral undertone, lucky you: you can wear both gold and silver effortlessly. 

My top tips for mixing metals:

  • Choose one dominant tone and accent with the other

  • Use a two-tone piece to tie everything together

  • Stack mixed-metal rings or layer necklaces with contrast

This adds intentional depth and style to your look, and helps stretch your capsule jewellery wardrobe.

What If Your Favourite Metal Doesn’t “Suit” Your Tone?

Style rules are meant to serve you, not limit you. 

If you love a metal that’s not your “ideal match,” here’s how to make it work:

  • Pair it with a flattering gemstone (e.g. a cool-toned sapphire in a warm gold setting)

  • Layer it with your undertone’s ideal tone to balance contrast

  • Use complementary makeup or clothing to harmonize your look

Ultimately, the right jewellery is what makes you feel confident and aligned with your style.

| Not sure where to start? Read more about our In-Person Jewellery Shopping Session in Calgary.

Final Thoughts: Let Your Jewellery Reflect You

Understanding your skin tone and undertone is just one step toward building a jewellery wardrobe that feels intentional, effortless, and uniquely you. 

As a jewellery concierge, I help you select and style pieces that suit your life (whether that’s gold, silver, or both). 

| Ready to feel confident in your jewellery choices? Book a free Discovery Call.


✨ Ready to find jewellery that actually feels like you?

👉 Book a free discovery call

👉 Follow along on Instagram @refined.by.robyn

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